While reading the two course materials on values, I really seemed to grasp why they are important that I identify them for myself. I think that as I think about graduation, I especially need to figure out my values because I do not want any conflict between my values and my work life. I appreciated the example of how you may want a family, but you are working 70 hours a week. This is not going to go hand in hand and I probably will not be enjoying my life if I am at odds with that value of having quality family time. Next, part of the exercise proposed by MindTools is considering when you were the happiest. I believe I am the happiest when I am around people, and competing to win for a common goal. Also, helping people and being in community is really important to me. Using the 500 core values list with what I have identified, I have selected: competition, community, dependability, philanthropy, and accountability. I believe these things give me greater purpose than constantly trying to chase a job success, but actually use that position and my life to help others in a humanitarian way. To reaffirm these, I want to make decisions that back up these values, so that I am rarely at odds with them. I think that if I maintain my values, even in hard times, I will feel like life has purpose and I am fulfilling my duties.